手薄|てうすteusu[0]heiban (flat)

1. na-adjective, nounshorthanded; short of hands; undermanned
2. na-adjective, nouninsufficient (stock, money, etc.); in short supply; low

• Synonym不足ふそくNeutralMeans insufficiency or shortage; the broadest of these words, covering lack of people, things, or amounts in general.
• Related不十分ふじゅうぶんNeutralMeans not fully sufficient, as in 「準備が不十分」; it stresses falling short of the needed degree, while 「手薄」 is about thin staffing or defenses.
• Related貧しいまずしいNeutralMeans poor or impoverished; it focuses on economic hardship or scant content, not on staffing levels.
• Related貧弱ひんじゃくNeutralMeans weak, meagre, or shabby; it focuses on content being thin and unimpressive, not on being short of hands.
• Related乏しいとぼしいNeutralMeans lacking or scarce, as in 「経験に乏しい」; it focuses on small quantity or amount.
• Related欠乏けつぼうNeutralMeans a necessary thing being in short supply, as in 「ビタミンの欠乏」; it stresses the shortage itself, while 「手薄」 is about thin staffing or defenses.
• Related不備ふびNeutralMeans preparations being incomplete or having oversights; it focuses on arrangements or procedures not being fully in place.
• Related薄いうすいNeutralMeans physically thin or diluted, and figuratively a thin, weak relationship; it focuses on thickness or concentration.
• Related欠如けつじょNeutralMeans something that should be there is missing; applies to qualities or equipment alike, as in 「設備の欠如」「常識の欠如」.
• Relatedお寒いおさむいCasualColloquial and ironic: describes a deplorably poor state, as in 「お寒い状況」; it mocks low quality rather than thin staffing.
• Antonym手厚いてあついNeutralAntonym: warm, attentive hospitality and generous care; the opposite of 「手薄」's thin, inadequate staffing.
• Antonym充実じゅうじつNeutralAntonym: full and complete, with everything needed in place; the opposite of being short of hands.

Use 「手薄」 when staffing, security, or stock is thin or insufficient, as in 「警備が手薄だ」「在庫が手薄」. For something that is not fully adequate, say 「不十分」; for an outright lack, say 「乏しい」. The antonyms are 「手厚い」 (warm, attentive treatment) and 「充実」 (fully provided and complete).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 必要ひつようとされるより少すくなく物もの足たりない様子ようす。